England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was disappointed he was treated "almost like a traitor" after it was revealed he had met Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon.

Eriksson was approached by the London club to replace Claudio Ranieri and, although he later signed a contract extension with the FA, the Swede was heavily criticised for considering Kenyon's advances.

He said: "Of course, you would do it differently, looking back. I should prefer that, of course.

"I'm happy that these discussions are over but it's very difficult for me to understand that you are treated almost like a traitor if you listen to another job (offer).

"In a democratic world, you should be allowed to do but that's gone and I have to understand it.

"I've always said that I'm going to stay in the job and I'm still here. It's difficult to understand that I should not be allowed to talk to another club."

Eriksson is confident the controversy has not affected his relationship with the fans.

He said: "If you are a football manager, you are judged on results mostly. If you win football games they will like you, so I think that's the most important thing to try to do." England have been paired with defending champions France in the group stages but Eriksson believes the side have a chance to win Euro 2004 in Portugal.

"I think we could (win) but it depends on if we have all the players available," he said.

"I think we are as good as anyone but to win a tournament you must be lucky."

Eriksson pledged to continue his softly-softly approach to team talks, insisting he "will not be a Winston Churchill".

The Swede has been criticised for his laid-back manner in the dressing room and at pitchside, most notably during England's World Cup quarter-final defeat by Brazil two years ago.

But he insists a change in style is not on the cards, claiming rousing Churchillian speeches are simply not his way.

He said: "I will not be a Winston Churchill, no I will not. I talk in the dressing room but if you expect me to be a Churchill, no I can't be that."

Despite his relaxed manner, Eriksson is keen to stress his pride at holding a job he claims could be the biggest in football.

He had talks with Chelsea before signing a contract extension earlier this year but said: "The job for me is a professional one and I'm extremely proud to have it, and I suppose it's the biggest football job you can have in the world.

"It is emotional for sure when I stand up from the bench and hear the national anthem and see the flags.

"You want to win to be proud of the team and for the fans to be proud of the team."